Footballs

Rach from Family Ever After hosts a really fun competition called SEWVIVOR. I've seen it going on the last two years and boy have there been some amazing projects! This year when Rach announced that Sewvivor would be a quilters edition, I just knew I had to at least audition for a spot in the top 16. So here it is:

A few months ago, I saw this quilt pattern called Touchdown by Cluck Cluck Sew and I knew I had to make it. To say my husband is a huge sports fanatic would be an understatement, ha! Plus, with all the quilting I do, I've never actually made him a quilt of his own. So I figured it was about time and this was the perfect one for him. I did it up in BYU blues since that's one of his most favorite teams.

I was able to keep it a secret and only work on it when I knew he wouldn't be around so I could surprise him for Father's Day. He was so excited! Even more so, when he realized it was backed in minky. Now it's his favorite and he just loves stealing it from the kids during movie nights! Don't worry, they have plenty of others to choose from ;)

Make sure to check out all the amazing entries on Rach's blog. And don't worry, if I don't make it to the top 16, I'll still be rooting for some of my other favorites from the sidelines!

Lucys Crab Shack Quilts

Of course, I've been holding on to this darling Lucy's Crab Shack fabric for a while. Because it's just so darn cute, I kept waiting for the perfect project to use it on. Finally one night I just yanked it down from my shelf and went to work with no actual pattern in mind. Midway through, I got the idea to make some wonky stars out of the white number fabric that came in the line. And of course to separate the colors. I couldn't have planned it better! I just love the way they came together.

 For the boy version, I quilted it using a small loopy star pattern. It measures 40.5" x 35.5".

For the girl version, I quilted bubbles. This one is just a bit smaller than the other one, measuring 35.5" x 35.5". 

These quilts are for sale in my ETSY shop. 

I'm linking up with: Just Between Friends, Richard and Tanya Quilts, Someday Crafts, Crazy Mom Quilts

Baby Love Quilt - Take 2

In Camille's book, Simply Retro, she takes one block and enlarges the whole thing to make a baby quilt. So really it's the same as the last quilt I showed, only super-sized.  It makes for some quick quilt piecing but I'm not sure if I *love* it. What do you think? Maybe after I get some great quilting on it I will change my mind. 

This fabric is an oldie but a goodie. It's a Riley Blake fabric and I think it's called Wheels (I may be wrong on that, sorry). I love it for a baby boy though and since this is a baby quilt....well, you know.  

 I'm linking up at: Jana's quilt along and Quilt Story's Fabric Tuesday

WIP Wednesday

I've been sewing away this week, trying to make a dent in all the projects I have. But of course, as I write this, I am debating about going to do some more fabric shopping today (why do I do this to myself?)  I should probably just stay home and finish these all up. ;)

This is just the start of the next quilt in Camille Roskelley's new book Simply Retro. The quilt is titled Retro. I'm going to try to get at least the top pieced  by next week so I can link it up with Jana's quilt along. 

I've been itching to finish up these perfect summer baby quilts using Lucy's Crab Shack prints. I've made a boy version in blues and oranges and am starting on a girl one in pinks and greens. 

And lastly, I am looking for 5 inch squares for an i-spy quilt. I've seen some cute quilts made but I've never actually cared to make one for myself until just a few weeks ago. I had taken my kids with me to a few of the shops in the shop hop and they were giving kids a little square of fabric to collect for a quilt. Of course this got my boys all excited and they decided this would be one of their summer goals; to collect the fabrics and to piece the quilt all together. I figure I should take advantage of their enthusiasm to spend time with me while they still are interested (plus give them a reason to not complain when I drag them to fabric shops). I ended up buying some fabrics at a few of the shops and then I ordered some more on etsy but figured this is going to get expensive fast if I am only using up 5 inches of each print. So if anyone wants to do a little swap-a-roo of a few fabrics that would be awesome. 

I'm linking up today at: Freshly Pieced

Bugs

I just finished the binding on this fun bug quilt that I started a few years ago. It had just been hanging in my closet for a while when I finally decided to pull it out and finish it up. It's been a really fun one. I'm loving the way it all turned out!

Each of the bugs are different and are even named in the pattern. The one below on the left is Flora Flutter, the middle guys are Grant and Brant, and the one to the right is Mr. Buttershy. 

The pattern is called Snugly Bugly and is by Amy Bradley. It measures 52.5" X 77". 

I'm linking up at : Crazy Mom Quilts - Finish it up Friday

A few works in progress

It has been slow around here for sure. We've had a ton of fun things going on; a family trip, kindergarten graduation, all of the end of the school year madness, kids home from school now; as well as some not so fun things (that I won't even mention). Not only has it been slow here, but it's been pretty slow in my sewing room as well. I finally got a little sewing time last night and it was a blast.

I'm working on a baby quilt, actually two baby quilts. A boy version and a girl version of a pattern that I kinda made up on my own. It's actually pretty simple, so don't be too impressed.

Also, I finally started my Swoon quilt! I am so excited for this first block that I just finished. I've had the pattern and the fabric for a while now, but I have been putting it off. I shouldn't have though because it wasn't as hard as I thought it'd be. So yay!!  I might not sleep for a week now so I can finish it up, but hey, it will sure be worth it.

 I knew the swoon blocks were big but once I put the blocks up next to each other I realized exactly how big. You can see just how huge the swoon block is. It measures 24 inches square. The smaller block was made with charm packs so that gives you an even better idea of the size. 

I have a hard time just sticking to one project at a time but I really am trying to get these done so I can have some fun finishes to show soon. Am I the only one who skips from project to project before finishing them?

Linking up at: freshly pieced WIP wednesday

Hobby Turned Business

I thought I'd show you my long arm quilting machine. It's a Statler Stitcher by Gammill.  My daughter and I bought it originally for our hobby of quilting. We used it so much that we ran out of our own quilts pretty quickly so we started quilting for other people and it soon became a business. We've enjoyed making friends with our customers and doing the long arm quilting for all of their beautiful quilts.   

The nice thing about having the Statler is being able to select from thousands of patterns available. The patterns are all adjustable to fit the quilt perfectly.  We're able to customize each and every quilt. The stitching on the Statler is very precise to ensure quality quilting. This picture is the underneath side of the quilt. It's fun to watch the patterns take shape as the machine is quilting. 

 My current project is a custom baby quilt featuring these cartoon circus animals.  I bought this as a kit a few years ago and just recently pulled it out to piece it.  I had forgotten how cute these little animals were. I think I'll tuck it away until the next grandbaby boy comes along. 

Also I wanted to remind you all that we are still offering 20% off all of our long arm quilting services through the end of May. Email us at chocolatedippedquilts@gmail.com for more information or with any questions. 

I'm linking up at: WIP Wednesday @ Freshly Pieced

Jack and Jill

My goal this year is to finish up some of my stash quilts. I bought this pattern and fabric about a year ago. I liked it so much, I bought fabric to make it up in a boy version as well as a girl version. As you can see, I have made some head way on the boy quilt, I just need to finish the prairie point border, add the ric rac and the sail boats. Quilt it, bind it, and move on to Jill, the girl version. 

 This is a fun pattern and sews up quickly. I love how playful the pinwheels look with the bright colors.  The Jill quilt is made up of soft pinks and greens with a tad of yellow. 

 This has been a great pattern to work with. I highly recommend it for your next baby quilt. Pattern is called Jack & Jill by KariePatch Designs. 

Our giveaway is still going on. Don't forget to enter!

I'm linking up at : WIP Wednesday @ Freshly Pieced

The Wheels on the Bus Quilt

When Ila brought me this quilt to do the long arm quilting on, I about died over how cute it is! Just perfect for her son's bed. 

What boy doesn't love all things with wheels? I can't decide which of the vehicles are my favorite, they are all so great. I also love the placement of it all.

 She did a fabulous job on all of her piecing and especially her applique. I think it's so fun that she made a reversible back and even better, that she put her son's initials right onto the quilt. What an awesome labor of love and a wonderful keepsake for him! 

Thanks Ila! I can't wait to see more of your work.

I'm linking up at: Crazy Mom Quilts - Finish it up Friday.